Which small, brownish, ground-dwelling squirrel has a striped back and relocation should be done at least 5 miles from the trap site?

• A. Chipmunk
• B. Ground squirrel
• C. Eastern gray squirrel
• D. Squirrel

Answer: (A)

The animal described is a chipmunk. Chipmunks are small, brownish, ground-dwelling members of the squirrel family and are easily recognized by their multiple light stripes running along the back (often with distinctive facial stripes). That striped-back, small-bodied description fits chipmunks much more than the other options: eastern gray squirrels are larger and typically gray, while a general “squirrel” or a larger ground squirrel doesn’t match the brown, striped, small-range appearance as specifically. The relocation guideline of moving at least five miles from the trap site is used to reduce the chance of immediate return or re-colonization because chipmunks have defined, relatively small home ranges; moving them farther away helps ensure they don’t just re-enter the area soon after release.